Kilimanjaro Trek - 8 Days Accommodated Tour (NAMK)

The Machame Route to Uhuru Peak is one of the most popular routes up Mount Kilimanjaro as it provides breathtaking views and a variety of climatic zones.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Moshi
Today we meet in Moshi – if you are flying in to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we can arrange an airport transfer for you. If you are making your own way to Moshi please advise your estimated arrival time in order to organize the briefing. If the weather is favourable we might get a first glimpse of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro (5 895 m). When you arrive at the hotel you will have some time to relax. One of our representatives will brief you on what to expect in the upcoming week.

Day 2 - Kilimanjaro National Park – Mandara Hut (2 700 m)
After a big breakfast we transit to the eastern side of Kilimanjaro to start our trek. Marangu Gate is at 1 860 m above sea level and this is where we begin. It is roughly a 7 km journey through rainforest to the Mandara Huts (2 700 m). If you are still feeling energetic after this section you can walk to Maundi Crater for some scenic views of both Kenya and Tanzania and on a clear day, Kibo Crater. There is an evening meal and overnight stay at the Mandara Hut.

Day 3 - Kilimanjaro National Park – Horombo Hut (3700m)
After a good night’s rest we have a filling breakfast before we climb through forest and moorland to the Horombo Huts (3 700 m). The distance covered today is roughly 11 km and along the way we see some of Tanzania’s most interesting vegetation such as the giant lobelia and giant groundsel. Half way we stop for lunch while enjoying amazing views of Mawenzi (5 149 m), one of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. Tonight we stay at the Horombo Hut.

Day 4 - Kilimanjaro National Park – Zebra Rocks (4 020 m)
Today serves as an acclimatisation day. This is very important and greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. We take a 3-4 hour trek to Zebra Rocks, so named because of the distinctive black and white stripes. A warm lunch will be waiting on our return to the hut, where an afternoon of relaxation helps prepare for the following day.

Day 5 - Kilimanjaro National Park – Kibo Hut (4 700 m)
We get up at sunrise and after breakfast we set off for the Kibo Huts (47 00 m). Again, it is roughly 12 km to our destination. The first half of the hike traverses upper heath land while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle of Kilimanjaro is alpine desert and care must be taken on this rough terrain. After dinner we need a very early night as the next day there is an extremely early start.

Day 6 - Kilimanjaro National Park – Uhuru Peak (Summit 5 895 m)
Today is ‘The Big Day’ – the summit stage. Many hours before dawn we begin the final trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro. At sunrise we reach Gillman’s Point (5 681m) which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro, where the sun slowly starts to warm up the land. After a further hike of 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5 895 m) we can celebrate the accomplishment of reaching the ‘Roof of Africa’. The route 5 back down is faster (compared to ascent) and a warm meal awaits us at the Kibo Hut. Later we continue on to the Horombo Hut where most of the mountain conquerors will be glad of an early night.

Day 7 - Kilimanjaro National Park – Moshi
Our journey back to Marangu Gate is about 18 km, a steady descent down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2 700m) where a hot lunch is prepared for us. If you conquered the summit you will collect your summit certificate at the gate. Green for Gilman’s Point and gold for those that reached Uhuru Peak. Then we head back to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest.

Day 8 - Kilimanjaro – Tour Ends
After breakfast the tour ends, please let us know if you require any further transport.

General Policies & Disclaimers

All information is subject to change without prior notice. Rates quoted are for South African Residents. Rates for other Nationalities available on request. Please ensure that you have received the latest version of this dossier, as Nomad is continually striving to improve the standards and quality of our tours and itineraries are subject to change. Travel times and campsites can change depending on road or weather conditions, or any unforseen circumstances. These are used as a guideline only. On our longer tours it is possible that your crew, truck and fellow travellers will change due to our unique tour linking system. On this tour, camping and accommodated clients will be travelling together with a maximum number of participants of 18.